ellis at the CHIO 2009

Impressions CHIO 2009

At the CHIO, the world equestrian festival, an enthusiastic public once again witnessed many demanding and therefore very thrilling competitions of all horse riding disciplines. From jumping, through to dressage and driving – no other tournament casts such a strong spell over riders as well as spectators.

With rainy weather usually being part of the tournament tradition in Aachen everybody was astonished by the predominant sunshine during the week with longer episodes of rain only on Wednesday and Thursday. But even these wet days could not spoil the spirit – as people who dropped in at the ellis stand immediately experienced. For close to the warm up arena you felt like you were in a VIP box watching the riders pass – many of whom stopped by at our stand later.

Apart from many other prominent people we had the young dressage rider Hedda Droege, who made her first appearance in Aachen this time. Then there were Holger Schupp, this year’s winner of the “Silberne Kamera” for the best international equestrian photography, and Angelique Hoorn, a member of the Dutch team who won the second prize in the Nations’ Cup. Sonja Bolz was immediately behind the turntables and also the junior winners came around talking about their tournament experience e.g. Fabienne Lütkemeier. And of course it was a special honour for us to welcome Hiroshi Hoketsu, the most successful Japanese dressage rider and – being 67 – the eldest tournament participant.